pez arcoíris
/peθ aɾkoiɾis/from spelling rules
The English phrase rainbow fish is translated into Spanish as pez arcoíris.
The phrase is used to refer to a rainbow fish.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, Pez Arcoíris is the most common way to refer to a rainbow fish.
How do you pronounce it?
/peθ aɾkoiɾis/
Did you know?
- While 'fish' in English is often pluralized as 'fish', the Spanish word pez is almost always used when referring to a fish as a living creature or a single unit, whereas pescado is used if it is dead and on a plate.
- The word arcoíris is a hybrid creation, combining the Spanish word arco with the Spanish word iris, which itself comes from the Greek goddess of the rainbow.
- In Spanish, the word arco does not just mean 'arch', it is the same root used for the 'bow' of a violin or a hunter's bow.
Examples in context
- Durante nuestra expedición marina, observamos varios peces arcoíris y anotamos sus características.During our marine expedition, we observed several rainbow fish and noted their characteristics.
- El estudio científico se enfoca en analizar la biología del pez arcoíris y su hábitat natural.The scientific study focuses on analyzing the biology of the rainbow fish and its natural habitat.
- El pez arcoíris es muy colorido.The rainbow fish is very colorful.
- Vi un pez arcoíris en el acuario.I saw a rainbow fish in the aquarium.
- ¿Te gusta el pez arcoíris?Do you like the rainbow fish?
Example conversation
Daniel and María are looking at a picture book in a cafe.
- DanielMira este pez arcoíris, María.Look at this rainbow fish, María.
- MaríaEs un pez arcoíris precioso.It is a beautiful rainbow fish.
- Daniel¿Quieres comprar un libro sobre él?Do you want to buy a book about it?
- MaríaSí, Daniel, me encanta.Yes, Daniel, I love it.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries arcoíris, pez, CC BY-SA 4.0.
